Small businesses play a critical role in creating jobs, driving economic growth and contributing to the overall well-being of rural communities. In many areas, they are the backbone of the local economy, providing essential goods and services.

Spring offers a good reminder of the importance of these contributions to our communities, in particular with National Small Business Week celebrated from May 3 to 9.

Small-scale entrepreneurship is a proven strategy to strengthen our small towns and consistently creates genuine opportunity across rural America. This strategy also has the capacity to bring back young people — including those who earn a college degree and want to build wealth.

Our surveys of rural youth in northeast Nebraska found that half would like to someday own their own farm or business. That opportunity has the potential to draw them back to smaller towns.

Small business development helps rural people acquire assets and create wealth, which is essential and leads to important long-term psychological and social effects that cannot be achieved by simply increasing income.

For consumers, now is a great time to check out what’s available in your community, instead of hitting the road to shop at larger chain stories. Directories and websites listing local businesses can be a good starting point, in addition to local newspapers and social media.

It’s important to be patient, as some local businesses do not have the same selection as larger chains and may need to make an order. But, they almost always offer strong customer service and unique products not available elsewhere.

When consumers shop locally and the community commits to supporting small business owners, everyone wins. The money and services stays in the community, supports other local businesses, and contributes to the overall economic health of the area, creating thriving communities.

Established in 1973, the Center for Rural Affairs is a private, nonprofit organization working to strengthen small businesses, rural communities and family farms and ranches through action oriented programs addressing social, economic and environmental issues.